Brandon Baumgartner threw seven superb innings and John Eckstein closed the door on the Mudcats in the final two to keep the Merchants undefeated on the season.  Jesse Munsterman had two doubles including the big go-ahead two run double in the 8th inning to put the Merchants on top.  Exit speed was clocked at 119 mph off the bat by bat boy Caden Baumgartner.  Jesse said it got in on his hands a bit and still has plenty more juice to provide.  Newcomer Drew Clouse caught all 9 innings with the poise of a willy veteran.  He also collected his first Merchant hit.  He plans to keep the ball and save it for his grandkids to marvel at in the years to come.

Next up for the Merchants is the Memorial Day tournament in Jamestown on Saturday.  They face the defending NDAB AAA state champions, Jamestown Greyhounds, at 1:00 pm followed by an Elks club team also from Jamestown.  All games being played at historic Jack Brown Stadium.  Admission is free but water dogs at the concession stand are a must.